The provision for the priests in ancient Israel is a significant aspect of the Old Testament, reflecting God's care for those who served in the tabernacle and later in the temple. The priests, primarily from the tribe of Levi and specifically the descendants of Aaron, were set apart for sacred duties and were provided for through various means as outlined in the Mosaic Law.

Levitical Inheritance

Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance in the Promised Land. Instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself and the offerings made to Him. Numbers 18:20-21 states, "The LORD said to Aaron, 'You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them; I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites. Behold, I have given the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the work of the Tent of Meeting.'"

Tithes and Offerings

The primary provision for the priests came from the tithes and offerings of the people. The Israelites were commanded to give a tenth of their produce and livestock to the Levites, who in turn gave a tenth of that to the priests (Numbers 18:26-28). This system ensured that those who ministered before the Lord were sustained by the community they served.

In addition to tithes, the priests received portions of various offerings. Leviticus 7:31-34 details the portions of the peace offerings that were allocated to the priests: "The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons. You are to give the right thigh to the priest as a contribution from your peace offerings. The son of Aaron who presents the blood and fat of the peace offering shall have the right thigh as a portion."

Firstfruits and Other Contributions

The firstfruits of the harvest were also given to the priests. Deuteronomy 18:3-5 specifies, "This shall be the priests' share from the people, from those who offer sacrifices, whether bull or sheep: They are to give the priest the shoulder, the jowls, and the stomach. You are to give him the firstfruits of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the first wool sheared from your flock. For the LORD your God has chosen him and his descendants out of all your tribes to stand and minister in His name forever."

Cities and Pasturelands

While the Levites did not receive a large territorial inheritance, they were given cities to dwell in, along with surrounding pasturelands for their livestock. Joshua 21 outlines the allocation of these cities among the Levitical clans, ensuring they had places to live and resources to sustain their families.

Sacrificial Portions

The priests also received portions of certain sacrifices. For example, the sin and guilt offerings provided food for the priests and their families. Leviticus 6:26 states, "The priest who offers it shall eat it; it must be eaten in a holy place, in the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting."

Conclusion

The provision for the priests was a divinely instituted system that ensured those who served in the sacred duties of the tabernacle and temple were adequately supported. This system underscored the principle that those who minister in spiritual matters should be sustained by the community they serve, a principle echoed in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 9:13-14).